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If I return to American Southwest, I would probably stay near Grand Canyon for several days, but for a first visit I was glad to also see Horseshoe Bend and Page. I traveled with family, and overnight in Page to reduce backtracking was one of the details we noticed most once the trip was underway rather than something we simply forgot after booking. I booked mainly for Grand Canyon, yet most of my photos came from Horseshoe Bend. Page was the stop I had barely researched and turned out to be a pleasant surprise. If I had one warning for future travelers, it would be large temperature swings in the desert; anyone looking for a very slow schedule should probably choose a narrower itinerary.
I was worried group travel would mean a lot of wasted waiting time, but the days around Golden Gate Bridge and 17-Mile Drive moved along with fairly clear meeting points. On a first visit to California, I did not want to spend every evening rebuilding the next day's route, so having transportation between Golden Gate Bridge and 17-Mile Drive handled was a relief. Because the tour covers a wide area, a significant amount of driving is a real factor. Reading the schedule in advance helped; none of the busier segments came as a surprise. If I return to California, I would probably stay near Golden Gate Bridge for several days, but for a first visit I was glad to also see 17-Mile Drive and Bixby Bridge.
The trip was a great mix of nature and fun attractions. Seeing the Grand Canyon West Rim in person was incredible, and the Skywalk was definitely a highlight. The bright sculptures at Seven Magic Mountains were fascinating and perfect for photos. I also enjoyed the stop at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, where we learned a bit about chocolate making and tasted some fresh treats.
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